Niagara

GeoHike - Cave Springs Conservation Area

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: In and Out
Location (Google Maps):

Cave Springs Conservation Area, 3949 Cave Spring Rd, Lincoln

Hike Leader(s): Kristin Hanson Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 1.7KM

Description

From the parking lot, we will hike along the Ice Cave Trail, the Margaret Reed Side Trail and the main Bruce Trail, stopping to explore and discuss the geology of the Niagara Escarpment, the Beamsville Bench wine region and the physiographic and geologic conditions that make it special.  After a short in-and-out hike on the Ice Cave Trail, we will slowly begin an incline up the Margaret Reed side trail as we scale the Niagara Escarpment.  We will consider the 450+million years of history we are hiking through as we make our way slowly to the top.  We will stop along the way to discuss and rest.  Once at the top, the terrain on the Bruce Trail is generally flat but footing may be uneven.  It may be icy or wet and slippery.  Hiking poles will make the ascent easier and give more stability on uneven footing.  We will hike to the site of the very first blaze on the Bruce Trail and admire the views of Lake Ontario and the vineyards of Cave Spring and Malivoire wineries.  Winter offers the most unobstructed views of this beautiful area.  We will return the way we came.

Hikers that are not registered cannot be accommodated on this hike.  This hike is open to members and non-members.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Park on King St near Centre St, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Hike Leader(s): Margaret Northfield Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 5-6km

Description

Each Friday we will explore different neighbourhoods, trails and parkland throughout Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Moderate pace with some weeks entirely on sidewalks and roads while others may include a mix of trails and paved pathways. Great way to build up endurance for longer more strenuous hikes.

Prepare for cooler windy conditions on open parkland and along Lake Ontario and Niagara River trails.

Plan to stay for conversation and a warm cup of coffee or tea at Sweets & Swirls, Community Centre, Niagara Stone Road, NOTL

Niagara Falls Loop

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Floral Showhouse, Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls (just south of the Falls)

Hike Leader(s): Margaret Northfield Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 8-9km

Description

We will hike through Dufferin Islands, Casino, Victoria Park and under the Rainbow Bridge and of course along by the Falls – something for everyone.  Mostly paved walking.

9:30 Explore the Power of Niagara's Black History: Chloe Cooley, Bound and Determined

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps):

Queenston Heights Park, Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Hike Leader(s): Karen Couch Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 7-8 kms

Description

On March 14, 1793, Chloe Cooley, was an enslaved Black woman living in Niagara, who fought for her freedom, and the freedom of thousands like her. On that date, her brave act of resistance led to the enactment of the first piece of legislation to limit enslavement in Great Britain AND the gradual abolition of enslavement in Canada. It also set the stage for the great freedom movement of enslaved African Americans known as the Underground Railroad. We will hike to where her powerful act of bravery is thought to have taken place and is marked with a plaque.

This hike will take us along the General Brock Side Trail (GBST) and on then on the Niagara Parkway (NP). The GBST’s terrain is hilly/moderate.  After stopping at the plaque, we will  partially retrace our steps, then climb a long set of metal stairs to take note of another plaque before returning to our cars.

The terrain may be icy and/or snow covered. Hiking poles and icers are advised, depending on the conditions. The main parking lot will be closed for the winter so park near the washrooms. A parking fee applies.

PLEASE NOTE: This hike counts as 1 of the 3 required hikes towards the Black History badge. If you have completed 3 hikes, and are interested in receiving a badge, please let me know.

For much more information about Chloe Cooley and Ontario’s Black history, open the link below. There are several very interesting videos embedded within the TVO Today 2023 article.

https://www.tvo.org/article/enslavement-is-part-of-our-history-understanding-chloe-cooleys-act-of-resistance